September 07, 2008

HP seeks ADB funding for hydro power projects

It is reported that Himachal Pradesh government has sought INR 1,600 crore from the Asian Development Bank for producing additional 475MW hydro electricity during the 11th Five Year Plan.

Ms Vidya Stokes power minister of Himachal said that the state had also decided to seek funding for the Shongtong Karcham with 402 MW, the Kashang with 243 MW and the Sainj with 100 MW hydro electric projects. She added that "The state government has clarified the security angle and has sent direct project reports of these projects to the central electricity authority.”

Ms Stokes said that the state had brought down the transmission and distribution losses to 15.94% during 2006-2007 from 26.61% six years ago. She asked the centre to release INR 73.70 crore immediately and demanded INR 500 crore from the central funds for generating power from small hydro electric projects up to 25 MW. She added that small hydro electric projects, having capacity of 750 Mw, were under construction by the private sector.

She said that, under the agreement, the private sector would inject power at the nearest 22 KV or 33 KV sub stations and the state government would transmit the power beyond the sub stations.